It may only be a matter of time before someone gets hurt, says Kim Lichty.

The Bright’s Grove woman turned to Sarnia city council Monday for help with what she said has been a growing problem – motorboat congestion near the beach.

Swimmers are at risk of being hit, the idling boats emit fumes that affect everyone nearby, and there have been slicks on the water, she said, arguing buoys be anchored as a deterrent near the shore of Kenwick Beach by this summer.

“I’m hoping maybe just the buoys would restrict the boats from coming in or let them be aware that this is a bad thing to do,” she said.

Another option is creating a roped off swimming area, she said.

“I’m just afraid somebody is going to be hurt before too long.”

Voting for staff to investigate “as soon as possible” the extent of the problem and what can be done, council was generally supportive of Lichty’s position.

“As a regular beach user I can attest to the concerns expressed,” said Coun. Bev MacDougall, noting oftentimes Jet Skis and other personal watercraft can be dangerous to swimmers.

“They can actually come in quite close and I’ve seen many, many near misses,” she said.

She also asked staff investigate any buried objects in the water, like a shipwreck off Canatara Beach, that could prove harmful to beachgoers if they’re swimming and don’t realize they’re there.

Meanwhile, one of the key issues is determining who has authority to act.

MacDougall said she’s been corresponding with Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu’s office about that and is expecting some information from Transport Canada.

“The concern is real and the concern for public safety is real,” she said.

Coun. Cindy Scholten said she sympathizes and there should be opportunity for public consultation after the staff report is made.

“It’s great our community is right on the southern tip of Lake Huron and we don’t want to let the boaters feel we’re going to be stopping them from enjoying going from the (Blue Water) Bridges to Bright’s Grove,” she said.

Coun. Brian White also called it an issue and called for the report to investigate a potential area for boats to safely dock or anchor in Bright’s Grove.

“A number of people either have visitors from out of town come and boat very close to their residence, or they themselves go and boat from the marina to somewhere nearby their own home,” he said.

Any restrictions that result should only apply to motor craft, he said.

“So we’re not inadvertently limiting people who are getting exercise on paddle boards and other things.”